Apparatus for dispersing impact forces

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for dispersing impact forces are provided. An apparatus for dispersing impact forces includes a housing having a contact end with an aperture; a contact member located at least primarily inside the housing; a biasing member biasing the contact member toward the housing aperture; and a sensor. The housing contact end is secured to an impact receiving surface. The sensor initiates an alert when an impact force received on the impact receiving surface causes the contact member to shift a predetermined distance from an initial position.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.61/988,024, filed May 2, 2014 and is a continuation-in-part of U.S.application Ser. No. 13/796,170, filed Mar. 12, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No.8,695,955, and U.S. application Ser. No. 14/188,303, filed Feb. 24,2014, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in theirentireties herein.

BACKGROUND

Impact forces received upon particular materials may compromise theintegrity of the material and the purpose for which it is used. Forexample, glass is an amorphous solid material that is used extensivelyin everyday life. However, glass products such as automobile windshieldsand home windows are particularly prone to encounter debris that mayresult in some degree of cracking, chipping, or even shattering(collectively “breakage”). Rocks are often encountered by automobiletires and projected at following traffic, and lawn mowers may similarlypropel debris at windows (and especially those that are adjacent theground). While manufacturing advancements have been made to improve theresilience of glass products, such improved products may be undesirablyexpensive and may nevertheless still be susceptible to breakage.Further, those manufacturing advancements do not aid existing productsthat were made with older technology.

Some embodiments set forth herein may inhibit glass breakage withoutrequiring any changes to how the glass is manufactured. Otherembodiments set forth herein may be incorporated in the glassmanufacturing process as an alternative, or enhancement, to otheranti-breakage technologies.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order toprovide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. Thissummary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is notintended to identify critical elements of the invention or to delineatethe scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some conceptsof the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detaileddescription that is presented elsewhere.

In one embodiment, an apparatus for inhibiting glass breakage includes ahousing, a contact member, and a biasing member. The housing has acontact end with an aperture, and the contact member is disposed atleast primarily inside the housing. The biasing member biases thecontact member toward the housing aperture. Means for fixing the housingcontact end to a glass surface are further included.

In another embodiment, a method for inhibiting glass breakage beginswith obtaining an apparatus having: (a) a housing having a contact endwith an aperture; (b) a contact member disposed at least primarilyinside the housing; and (c) a biasing member biasing the contact membertoward the housing aperture. The housing contact end is then adhered toa glass item, and impact force is transferred from the glass item to thebiasing member via the contact member.

In still another embodiment, a glass product includes a sheet of glassand an apparatus for inhibiting glass breakage. The apparatus forinhibiting glass breakage includes: (a) a housing having a contact endwith an aperture; (b) a contact member disposed at least primarilyinside the housing; and (c) a biasing member biasing the contact membertoward the housing aperture. The housing contact end is coupled to thesheet of glass, and the contact member rests upon the sheet of glass forreceiving an impact force from the sheet of glass.

In yet another embodiment, a glass product includes a first sheet ofglass, a second sheet of glass laminated to the first sheet of glass,and an apparatus for inhibiting glass breakage. The second sheet ofglass has an opening therein, and the apparatus for inhibiting glassbreakage includes: (a) a housing having a contact end with a firstaperture; (b) a first contact member disposed at least primarily insidethe housing; and (c) a biasing member biasing the first contact membertoward the first aperture. The housing contact end is coupled to atleast one of the first sheet of glass and the second sheet of glass, andthe contact member passes through the opening in the second sheet ofglass and rests upon the first sheet of glass for receiving an impactforce from the first sheet of glass.

In another embodiment, an apparatus for dispersing impact forcesincludes a housing having a contact end with an aperture; a contactmember located at least primarily inside the housing; a biasing memberbiasing the contact member toward the housing aperture; and means forsecuring the housing contact end to a surface. When an impact force isreceived upon the impact receiving surface, the force is at leastpartially transferred to the contact member, which in turn temporarilyalters the biasing member, which subsequently returns the contact memberto an initial position. The return of the contact member imparts asecond force on the impact receiving surface, which is less than theimpact force transferred to the contact member.

In still another embodiment an apparatus for dispersing impact forces isprovided, which includes a base, a rail, a contact member for contactingan impact receiving surface, a first biasing member located between thebase and the rail, and a second biasing member located between the railand the contact member. The first biasing member biases the rail towarda rest position and the second biasing member biases the contact membertoward an initial position at the impact receiving surface. An impactforce received on the impact receiving surface is at least partiallytransferred to the contact member, which temporarily alters the secondbiasing member. The contact member is subsequently returned to theinitial position, which imparts a second force on the impact receivingsurface.

In still yet another embodiment, an apparatus for dispersing impactforces includes a base, a contact member for contacting an impactreceiving surface, and a primary biasing member disposed between thebase and the contact member. The primary biasing member biases thecontact member toward an initial position at the impact receivingsurface. An impact force received on the impact receiving surface is atleast partially transferred to the contact member, which in turntemporarily alters the primary biasing member which subsequently returnsthe contact member to the initial position. The return of the contactmember to the initial position imparts a second force on the impactreceiving surface.

In still a further embodiment, a window product includes a first windowpane, a second window pane, and an apparatus for dispersing impactforces. The apparatus for dispersing impact forces has a base, a contactmember for contacting the first window pane, and a primary biasingmember disposed between the base and the contact member. The primarybiasing member biases the contact member toward an initial position atthe first window pane. An impact force received on the first window paneis at least partially transferred to the contact member, which in turntemporarily alters the primary biasing member which subsequently returnsthe contact member to the initial position. The return of the contactmember to the initial position imparts a second force on the firstwindow pane.

In still another embodiment, an apparatus for dispersing impact forcesis provided which includes a housing having a contact end with anaperture; a contact member located at least primarily inside thehousing; a biasing member biasing the contact member toward the housingaperture; and a sensor. The housing contact end is secured to an impactreceiving surface. The sensor initiates an alert when an impact forcereceived on the impact receiving surface causes the contact member toshift a predetermined distance from an initial position.

Provided in still yet another embodiment is an apparatus for dispersingimpact forces having a base; a contact member for contacting an impactreceiving surface; a biasing member disposed between the base and thecontact member; and a sensor. The biasing member biases the contactmember toward an initial position at the impact receiving surface; andthe sensor initiates an alert when an impact force received on theimpact receiving surface causes the contact member to shift from aninitial position.

In yet another embodiment, a window product includes a window pane andan apparatus for dispersing impact forces. The apparatus for dispersingimpact forces has a base; a contact member positioned to receive forcefrom the window pane; a biasing member disposed between the base and thecontact member; and a sensor. The biasing member biases the contactmember toward an initial position at the window pane. An impact forcereceived on the window pane cause the contact member and the biasingmember to move. The movement of the contact member or the biasing memberactivates the sensor, causing the sensor to initiate an alert.

In still a further embodiment is provided a monitoring system having aninput device, an alarm, a processor, and electronic instructions. Theinput device includes a housing having a contact end with an aperture; acontact member located at least primarily inside the housing; a biasingmember biasing the contact member toward the housing aperture; at leastone sensor; and means for securing the housing contact end to an impactreceiving surface. The processor is in data communication with thesensor, and the electronic instructions, when executed by the processor,performs steps for (a) receiving at least one signal from the sensor;(b) analyzing the at least one signal to identify a triggering event;and (c) upon identifying a triggering event, actuating the alarm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an apparatus for inhibiting glassbreakage according to one embodiment of the current invention, with adistal end of the apparatus visible.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, with a proximal(or “contact”) end of the apparatus visible.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in use, with variouselements shown in section taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a section view of the housing of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a section view showing a cushion member added inside thehousing of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an apparatus for inhibiting glassbreakage according to another embodiment of the current invention, witha distal end of the apparatus visible.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 6, with various elementsshown in section taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an apparatus for inhibiting glassbreakage according to still another embodiment of the current invention,with a distal end of the apparatus visible.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 8, with a proximal(or “contact”) end of the apparatus visible.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the apparatus of FIG. 8, with contactmembers and biasing members separated from a housing.

FIG. 11 is a section view of the apparatus of FIG. 8, taken along line11-11 in FIG. 8.

FIG. 12 is a section view of one embodiment of a glass productincorporating the apparatus of FIG. 8.

FIG. 12 a is an exploded view showing another embodiment of theapparatus of FIG. 8 in an example use.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an apparatus for inhibiting glassbreakage according to yet another embodiment of the current invention,with a distal end of the apparatus visible.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 13, with aproximal (or “contact”) end of the apparatus visible.

FIG. 15 is a section view of the apparatus of FIG. 13, with variouselements shown in section taken along line 15-15 in FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing an apparatus for inhibiting glassbreakage according to still yet another embodiment of the currentinvention.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a mount of the apparatus of FIG.16.

FIG. 18 is a section view of part of the apparatus of FIG. 16, withvarious elements shown in section.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an apparatus for inhibiting glassbreakage and a resulting glass product according to a further embodimentof the current invention.

FIG. 20 is a side view of the apparatus and resulting glass product ofFIG. 19.

FIG. 21 shows an alternate base portion for use in the apparatus of FIG.19.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an apparatus for inhibiting glassbreakage and a resulting glass product according to a still furtherembodiment of the current invention.

FIG. 22 a shows an alternate base portion for use in the apparatus ofFIG. 19.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an apparatus for inhibiting glassbreakage and a resulting glass product according to still yet anotherembodiment of the current invention.

FIG. 24 is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in use, with variouselements shown in section taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 1, andincorporating sensors.

FIG. 25 is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 6, taken along line 7-7in FIG. 6 and further incorporating sensors.

FIG. 26 is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, taken along line 3-3in FIG. 1, showing a magnetic spring and further incorporating sensors.

FIG. 27 is a section view of the apparatus of FIG. 8, taken along line11-11 in FIG. 8, and further incorporating sensors.

FIG. 28 is a section view of one embodiment of a glass productincorporating the apparatus of FIG. 8 and further incorporating sensors.

FIG. 29 is a section view of the apparatus of FIG. 13, with variouselements shown in section taken along line 15-15 in FIG. 13, and furtherincorporating sensors.

FIG. 30 is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 19 further incorporatingsensors.

FIG. 31 is a block diagram of a system according to one embodiment ofthe current invention.

FIG. 32 is a circuit diagram of an input device as shown in FIG. 31.

FIG. 33 is a circuit diagram of an input device as shown in FIG. 31showing two switches.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 through 4 show an apparatus for inhibiting glass breakageaccording to one embodiment 100 of the current invention. The apparatus100 broadly includes a housing 110, a contact member 130, and a biasingmember 140.

The housing 110 has a contact end 112 a opposite a distal end 112 b, andthe contact end 112 a has an aperture 115 (FIGS. 2 through 4). While thehousing 110 may be configured in various ways, it may be desirable forthe contact end 112 a to have a surface area that is greater than asurface area of the distal end 112 b. Such increased surface area at thecontact end 112 a may allow the housing 110 to be better coupled to aglass surface (as discussed further below) while minimizing the size ofthe housing 110 at the distal end 112 b. The housing 110 is shown tohave a first portion 113 extending from the contact end 112 a and asecond portion 114 extending from the distal end 112 b, with eachportion 113, 114 being generally cylindrical and extending to oneanother. While such configuration is currently preferred in theembodiment 100, other geometries (conical, rectangular, octagonal,irregular geometries, more or fewer portions, et cetera) maynevertheless be used.

The housing 110 may be constructed of plastic, metal, composites, and/orany other appropriate material. Moreover, various manufacturingprocesses may be used to form the housing, such as molding, casting,machining, and/or 3-D printing. While in some embodiments the housing110 is formed as a unitary element, in other embodiments it may bemultiple elements coupled together. For example, the first portion 113may be fastened to the second portion 114 after each portion 113, 114 isformed.

The contact member 130 (FIGS. 2 and 3) is disposed at least primarilyinside the housing 110, and specifically in a cavity 116 defined by thehousing 110, and the biasing member 140 (FIG. 3) is similarly disposedin the cavity 116 and biases the contact member 130 toward the housingaperture 115. In the embodiment 100, the aperture 115 is round andsmaller than the contact member 130 such that the contact member 130cannot completely pass through the aperture 115.

As shown in FIG. 3, it may be desirable for the contact member 130 to begenerally spherical to provide a single point of contact between thecontact member 130 and a sheet of glass 10 with which the apparatus 100will be used. In addition, a spherical configuration may allow thecontact member 130 to be easily seated in the housing 110 at theaperture 115. Nevertheless, the contact member 130 may be configured tobe shaped differently and the aperture 115 may be shaped complementaryto the configuration of the contact member 130.

The contact member 130 may be constructed of entirely non-elasticmaterial (e.g., metal). However, it may be desirable for the contactmember 130 to be made at least partially of a resilient material such asrubber, or other materials such as glass. A rubberized coating on anon-elastic material may be particularly suitable, allowing some energyto be absorbed upon impact of the glass 10 and the contact member 130yet transferring most of an impact force from the glass 10 to thebiasing member 140.

The biasing member 140 in the embodiment 100 is a helical spring, asshown in FIG. 3. Other types of resilient members may alternately (oradditionally) be used in different embodiments, such as a flat spring, agas spring, a hydraulic spring, or a magnetic spring. An endcap 120 iscoupled to the housing 110 to prevent the contact member 130 fromexiting the housing 110, and the biasing member 140 may abut the endcap120, as shown in FIG. 3. The housing 110 includes threading 118 (FIGS. 3and 4), and the endcap 120 includes complementary threading 122 forcoupling the endcap 120 to the housing 110. The endcap 120 may furtherinclude a passage or other element 124 for receiving a driver bit,allowing the endcap 120 to be fastened to the housing 110. While otherembodiments may use fastening methods besides threading (for example,adhesive or fusing), it may be desirable for the endcap 120 to beadjustably coupled to the housing 110; such adjustment may allow anamount of force on the contact member 130 provided by the biasing member140 to be altered as desired.

Various means may be included for fastening the housing contact end 112a to the glass 10 (which may or may not be generally planar). As shownin FIGS. 2 and 3, adhesive 150 may be used to couple the contact end 112a to the glass 10. Especially if the housing contact end 112 a isgenerally flat or otherwise not of the same curvature as the glass 10,the adhesive 150 may be particularly desirable to fill the area betweenthe contact end 112 a and the glass 10 and provide a strong bond.Nevertheless, other embodiments may use magnetic fasteners, fusingprocesses, and other suitable fastening technology.

In use, the apparatus 100 is adhered to (or otherwise coupled to) theglass 10, as shown for example in FIG. 3. The biasing member 140 biasesthe contact member 130 toward the aperture 115, and the contact member130 extends through the aperture 115 and contacts the glass 10. Thesystem may remain in this configuration until the glass 10 receives animpact force I. For example, the glass 10 may be a windshield or aresidential window, and flying debris may provide the impact force I.Upon receipt of the impact force I, the glass 10 may transfer at least aportion of the impact force I to the contact member 130, which in turnmay move from the contact end 112 a and transfer force to the biasingmember 140. The biasing member 140 may then return to its priorconfiguration, moving the contact member 140 back through the aperture115 and contacting the glass 10.

Inefficiencies in the biasing member 140, for example, may cause lessthan the full amount of force transferred to the contact member 130 fromthe glass 10 to be returned to the glass 10. This may be particularlyadvantageous if multiple apparatus 100 are used with the glass 10. Inaddition, if multiple apparatus 100 are used with the glass 10, thetiming of the force transfer may vary slightly between the differentapparatus 100, allowing forces to be transferred back to the glass 10 atdifferent times. The glass 10 may be able to withstand this staggeredreturn of forces better than the impact force I if the multipleapparatus 100 were not utilized.

To further dissipate the impact force I, a cushion 190 may be placed inthe housing 110, as shown in FIG. 5. In such embodiments, the cushion190 may be initially compressed when the contact member 130 contacts theglass 10. Upon movement of the contact member 130 away from the aperture115 (and the cushion 190), the cushion 190 may expand. The cushion 190may then absorb some force from the contact member 130 when the contactmember 130 is returned to the glass 10, causing the cushion 190 toreturn to the compressed configuration.

The cushion 190 may be constructed of, for example, open celledpolyurethane, and fast-recovery memory foam may be particularly useful.Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other materials which mayquickly return to their original configuration after being compressedmay similarly be used.

While the positioning of the apparatus 100 may vary (based, for example,on the type of glass application), in some embodiments where the glass10 is a windshield, multiple apparatus 100 may be dispersed along aperimeter of the glass 10 and/or behind the rear view mirror so as notto unnecessarily obstruct the driver's view.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show another apparatus 200 for inhibiting glass breakagethat is substantially similar to the embodiment 100, except asspecifically noted and/or shown, or as would be inherent. Further, thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiment 100 (and thus theembodiment 200) may be modified in various ways, such as throughincorporating all or part of any of the various described embodiments,for example. For uniformity and brevity, reference numbers between 200and 299 may be used to indicate parts corresponding to those discussedabove numbered between 100 and 199 (e.g., housing 210 correspondsgenerally to the housing 110), though with any noted or showndeviations.

In embodiment 200, endcap 220 is fused to housing 210. For example, thehousing 210 and the endcap 220 may be plastic coupled together throughfriction welding or ultrasonic welding.

FIGS. 8 through 11 show another apparatus 300 for inhibiting glassbreakage that is substantially similar to the embodiment 100, except asspecifically noted and/or shown, or as would be inherent. Further, thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiment 100 (and thus theembodiment 300) may be modified in various ways, such as throughincorporating all or part of any of the various described embodiments,for example. For uniformity and brevity, reference numbers between 300and 399 may be used to indicate parts corresponding to those discussedabove numbered between 100 and 199 (e.g., housing 310 correspondsgenerally to the housing 110), though with any noted or showndeviations.

In embodiment 300, the housing 310 is sized to contain more than one ofthe contact members 330. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the housingcontact end 312 a has more than one of the apertures 315, and theapparatus 300 may further include at least one cushion 390 (FIG. 11)inside the housing 310 associated with each aperture 315. Whileembodiment 300 has three rectangular apertures 315, a generallyrectangular contact end 312 a, and a rounded distal end 312 b, thehousing 310 can be configured in various ways (as noted regarding theembodiment 100) and may include more or fewer apertures 315 of anyappropriate shape to correspond to the contact member(s) 330. And whilethe drawings show the housing 310 to be a unitary member, it maygenerally be formed of multiple segments coupled together during amanufacturing process.

The contact members 330 are disposed at least primarily inside thehousing 310, with each of the contact members 330 being associated with(and biased toward) a respective aperture 315. The embodiment 300includes rectangular contact members 330 each having a recess 331 (FIG.11), and the apertures 315 are smaller than the contact members 330 suchthat the contact members 330 cannot completely pass through theapertures 315. Such sizing may be particularly desirable when theapparatus 300 is for “aftermarket” use (i.e., when the glass product isnot sold with the apparatus 300).

When multiple contact members 330 are included, they may be biasedtoward the apertures 315 by a single biasing member 340, or by multiplebiasing members 340. The embodiment 300 includes multiple biasingmembers 340, shown to be flat springs 340 a coupled to one another by arail 340 b. More particularly, the embodiment 300 includes a piece ofstamped metal bent to define the flat springs 340 a. While FIG. 11 showsan upper end of a respective flat spring 340 a touching the housing 310,other embodiments employing flat springs 340 a may include a spacingbetween the spring upper ends and the housing 310. And, as discussedabove regarding the embodiment 100, other types of biasing members 310may be used.

FIG. 12 shows the apparatus 300 in one method of use, and a resultingglass product. First and second sheets of glass 31, 32 may be spacedapart or laminated together (as shown). Windshield applications, forexample, may include lamination; window applications, for example, mayinclude spacing. The second sheet of glass has at least one opening 32 atherein, and the contact end 312 a of the housing 310 is coupled to atleast one of the sheets 31, 32. One of the contact members 330 passesthrough a respective opening 32 a and rests upon the first sheet 31 forreceiving an impact force from the first sheet 31. Another of thecontact members 330 rests upon the second sheet 32 for receiving animpact force from the second sheet 32. Forces from each sheet 31, 32 aretransferred generally as described above regarding FIGS. 1 through 5. Byreceiving at least a portion of an impact force from the sheet 31, theapparatus 300 may be better able to prevent breakage than if only thesheet 32 were contacted.

FIG. 12 a shows the apparatus 300 configured as a ribbon (i.e., with thehousing 310 elongated and having a reduced distance between ends 312 a,312 b) and positioned between the windshield 10 and an automobile body2. In such embodiments, the windshield 10 may be directly installed atopthe apparatus 300.

FIGS. 13 through 15 show another apparatus 400 for inhibiting glassbreakage that is substantially similar to the embodiment 100, except asspecifically noted and/or shown, or as would be inherent. Further, thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiment 100 (and thus theembodiment 400) may be modified in various ways, such as throughincorporating all or part of any of the various described embodiments,for example. For uniformity and brevity, reference numbers between 400and 499 may be used to indicate parts corresponding to those discussedabove numbered between 100 and 199 (e.g., housing 410 correspondsgenerally to the housing 110), though with any noted or showndeviations.

In embodiment 400, the housing 410 is configured as a rear view mirrormount, such that the housing 410 may be coupled to a windshield and arear view mirror may in turn be coupled to the housing 410. While it maybe particularly desirable for the housing 410 to be constructed ofmetal, other materials (e.g., plastic, ceramic, or glass) mayalternately be used. The biasing member 440 shown in FIG. 15 is anothertype of flat spring. But, as noted above, other types of biasing membersmay be used.

FIGS. 16 through 18 show another apparatus 500 for inhibiting glassbreakage that is substantially similar to the embodiment 100, except asspecifically noted and/or shown, or as would be inherent. Further, thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiment 100 (and thus theembodiment 500) may be modified in various ways, such as throughincorporating all or part of any of the various described embodiments,for example. For uniformity and brevity, reference numbers between 500and 599 may be used to indicate parts corresponding to those discussedabove numbered between 100 and 199 (e.g., housing 510 correspondsgenerally to the housing 110), though with any noted or showndeviations.

In embodiment 500, the housing 510 is configured to attach to a rearview mirror mount 570, such that the housing 510 overlays the mount 570for example. And in the embodiment 500, endcap 520 is shown fused to thehousing 510. The endcap 520 may extend to a mirror portion 580, and aball and socket joint or other structure may be utilized to allowpositioning of the mirror portion 580 to be easily adjusted. In otherembodiments, the housing 510 may extend to the mirror portion 580 (withany adjustment elements included), and other structure (e.g., set screwsor removable plates) may be used to support the biasing member 540. Acushion corresponding to the cushion 190 may of course be included inthe housing 510.

In use, the mount 570 is coupled to a windshield, and the housing 510 iscoupled to the mount 570 such that the contact member 530 passes througha hole 575 in the mount 570 and rests on the windshield. Force transfermay occur generally as set forth above to inhibit glass breakage, andthe mirror portion 580 may be used in a traditional manner to improve auser's view.

FIGS. 19-20 show another apparatus 600 for inhibiting glass breakage inone method of use, and a resulting glass product. First and secondsheets of glass 61, 62 are spaced apart by a spacer 63 that includes aledge 64. A bonding agent (not shown) may couple the spacer 63 to theglass 61, 62. The apparatus 600 includes a base portion 610, a contactmember 630, and a biasing member 640. In some embodiments, the baseportion 610, the contact member 630, and the biasing member 640 are allmade of a continuous, unitary material (e.g., resilient metal, resilientplastic, et cetera), either with or without an overlying coating; inother embodiments, one or more of the portions 610, 630, 640 are formedseparately and coupled to the other portions (e.g., by adhesive,welding, et cetera). The base portion 610 is configured to interact withthe ledge 64 to maintain the base portion 610 stationary relative to theglass 61, 62 and the spacer 63. Adhesive or other fastening methods mayor may not be used to further fix the base portion 610 to the spacer 63,and distal end 610 a of the base portion 610 may or may not extend tospacer face 63 a.

Continuing, the contact member 630 abuts the glass 61, and the biasingmember 640 biases the contact member 630 toward the glass 61. As shownin FIGS. 19-20, it may be desirable for the contact member 630 to begenerally round to provide a single point of contact between the contactmember 630 and the glass 61. Nevertheless, the contact member 630 may beconfigured to be shaped differently. As with the contact member 130described above, rubber and glass may also be suitable materials for thecontact member 630. Rubberized coatings on resilient or non-resilientmaterials may further be acceptable. The apparatus 600 in FIGS. 19-20 isformed of a unitary sheet of material bent to define the base portion610, the contact member 630, and the biasing member 640, and one end ofthe sheet is rolled to define the contact member 630.

The biasing member 640 specifically causes the contact member 630 toimpart a first force in direction F1 on the glass 61, and the system mayremain in this configuration until the glass 61 receives an impact forcein direction F2 (e.g., imparted by flying debris). Upon receipt of theimpact force F2, the glass 61 may transfer at least a portion of theimpact force F2 to the contact member 630, which in turn may transferforce to the biasing member 640. The biasing member 640 may then returnpart of the force F2 to the glass 61 via the contact member 630. In someembodiments, the contact member 630 may move from the glass 61 uponreceiving the portion of the impact force F2.

Inefficiencies in the biasing member 640, for example, may cause lessthan the full amount of force transferred to the contact member 630 fromthe glass 61 to be returned to the glass 61. This may be particularlyadvantageous if multiple apparatus 600 are used with the glass 61. Inaddition, if multiple apparatus 600 are used with the glass 61, thetiming of the force transfer may vary slightly between the differentapparatus 600, allowing forces to be transferred back to the glass 61 atdifferent times. The glass 61 may be able to withstand this staggeredreturn of forces better than the impact force F2 if the multipleapparatus 600 were not utilized.

To further dissipate the impact force F2, a cushion may be coupled tothe contact member 630 (e.g., using adhesive or other appropriatefastening devices and methods). In such embodiments, the cushion may beinitially compressed when the contact member 630 contacts the glass 61.Upon movement of the contact member 630 away from the glass 61, thecushion may expand. The cushion may then absorb some force from thecontact member 630 when the contact member 630 is returned to the glass61, causing the cushion to return to the compressed configuration. Thecushion may be constructed of, for example, open celled polyurethane,and a fast-recovery memory foam may be particularly useful. Thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that other materials which mayquickly return to their original configuration after being compressedmay similarly be used.

FIG. 21 shows an alternate base portion 610′ for use in the apparatus600. The alternate base portion 610′ illustrates that variousconfigurations may be appropriate for interacting with the ledge 64.

FIG. 22 shows the apparatus 600 for inhibiting glass breakage and aresulting glass product (slightly exploded) that is substantiallysimilar to as described above regarding embodiment 600, except asspecifically noted and/or shown, or as would be inherent. In FIG. 22,the spacer 63 is not present (or at least not utilized). As such, thebase portion 610 extends in a pressure fit between glass sheets 61, 62.Adhesive or other fastening methods may or may not be used to furtherfix the base portion 610 to the glass 61, 62.

FIG. 22 a shows another alternate base portion 610″ for use in theapparatus 600. Here, alternate base portion 610″ is coupled to the glasssheet 61 (e.g., by adhesive). The alternate base portion 610″illustrates that various base configurations may be appropriate forinteracting with the glass 61, 62 (or the spacer 63).

FIG. 23 shows another apparatus 700 for inhibiting glass breakage in onemethod of use that is substantially similar to embodiment 600, except asspecifically noted and/or shown, or as would be inherent. Further, thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiment 700 (and thus theembodiment 600) may be modified in various ways, such as throughincorporating all or part of any of the various described embodiments,for example. For uniformity and brevity, reference numbers between 700and 799 may be used to indicate parts corresponding to those discussedabove numbered 600-699 (e.g, contact member 630 corresponds generally tocontact member 730) though with any noted or shown deviations. In anembodiment, the apparatus 700 includes a base portion 710, a contactmember 730, a first biasing member 740 a, a second biasing member 740 b,and a rail 760.

The rail 760 may be a piece of material extending around the perimeterof a window frame between a first sheet of glass 71 and a second sheetof glass 72 or may be, for example, a grid pattern visible through theglass 71, 72. The first and second sheets of glass 71, 72 may be spacedapart by a spacer 73. The base portion 710 may, for example, fit snuglywithin the spacer 73 between the first and second sheets of glass 71,72. The first biasing member 740 a abuts the rail 760. The secondbiasing member 740 b extends from the rail 760 to the contact member730, and the contact member 730 abuts the first sheet of glass 71. Thefirst biasing member 740 a biases against the rail 760, which supportsthe second biasing member 740 b, which biases the contact member 730toward the glass 71.

When a force is received against the first sheet of glass 71, at least aportion of the force is transferred to the contact member 730. Thecontact member 730 pushes against the second biasing member 740 b whichcauses temporary deformation of the second biasing member 740 b as itpushes against the rail 760 and may allow the contact member 730 toseparate from the glass 71. If the force upon the first sheet of glass71 is great enough, then the force transferred to the rail 760 by thesecond biasing member 740 b may be sufficient to cause temporarydeformation of the first biasing member 740 a and movement of the rail760. The first biasing member 740 a, the rail 760, the second biasingmember 740 b, and the contact member 730 may eventually each return totheir initial positions. As described above, cushions may be used (e.g.,with the contact member 730), and the amount of force transferred backto the first sheet of glass 71 may be less than the force initiallyreceived. Additionally, as set forth in FIG. 23, multiple base portions710, biasing members 740 a, 740 b, and contact members 730 may beassociated with the rail 760.

FIGS. 24-30 show alternative embodiments of various apparatusincorporating sensors 1000 as part of the apparatus. The sensors 1000may, for example, be enabled to detect movement of a surface in responseto a force acting upon a surface, and to cause an alert to be activated.

FIGS. 24 and 25 show apparatus 100′, 100″ that are substantially similarto embodiment 100, except as specifically noted and/or shown, or aswould be inherent. In FIG. 24, sensors 1000 are placed at variouslocations inside the housing 110 such that a force acting upon the sheetof glass 10 would trigger an alert. For example, sensors 1000 a may bedisposed along the walls of the housing 110 forming the cavity 116. Thecontact member 130 may be in constant contact with the sensors 1000 a.When a force I acts upon the sheet of glass 10, the contact member 130may be forced away from the sheet of glass 10. When the contact member130 loses contact with the sensors 1000 a, the sensors 1000 a mayrecognize that the force I caused the contact member 130 to shift off ofthe sensors 1000 a, thus triggering an alert. Alternately, the sensors1000 can be placed along the walls of the housing 110 near the upperedge of the contact member 130, as shown at 1000 b. When the force Icauses the contact member 130 to shift, the contact member 130encounters the sensors 1000 b, thus triggering an alert. In anotheralternative, sensors 1000 may be placed along the walls of the housing110 between coils in a biasing member 140 (which is a helical spring inFIG. 24), as shown at 1000 c. When a force I acts upon the sheet ofglass 10, the contact member 130 is pushed against the spring 140, andcausing the coils to contract. As the coils contract, one or more of thecoils may come into contact with the sensors 1000 c, thus triggering analert. As shown in FIG. 25, the sensors 1000 n may alternately belocated along a contact end 11, wherein the contact member 130 sits atopthe contact end 11 and is in constant contact with the sensors 1000 n.When a force is applied to the contact end 11, the contact member 130loses contact with the sensors 1000 n, thus triggering an alert.

FIG. 26 shows an apparatus 100′″ that is substantially similar to theembodiments described above with reference to FIGS. 24-25, except asspecifically noted and/or shown, or as would be inherent. The differencebetween embodiment 100′″ and those shown in FIGS. 24-25 is that thespring 140 in FIG. 26 is a magnetic spring rather than a helical spring.The sensors 1000 p in FIG. 26 are shown in the cavity 116 of the housing110. When a force is received upon the sheet of glass 10, the contactmember 130 causes the magnet 140′ to shift upwards. The magnet 140′ maycome into contact with the sensors 1000 p, thus triggering an alert.

FIGS. 27 and 28 show an apparatus 300′ that is substantially similar toembodiment 300, except as specifically noted and/or shown, or as wouldbe inherent. Sensors 1000 may be located, for example, along the edgesof the biasing member 340, as shown at 1000 e. Alternately, sensors maybe placed at various places on the biasing member 1000 f such thatmovement of the biasing member triggers the sensors 1000 to initiate analert.

FIG. 29 shows an apparatus 400′ that is substantially similar toembodiment 400, except as specifically noted and/or shown, or as wouldbe inherent. Sensors 1000 may be secured, for example, behind thebiasing member 440, as shown at 1000 g, such that movement of thecontact member 430 causes the biasing member 440 to contact the sensor1000 g, thus triggering an alert. Alternately, the sensors may belocated within the cushions 490 (as shown at 1000 h), such that movementof the contact member 430 away from the cushion 490, or a return of thecontact member 490 to the cushion 490 after a force has been received,activates the sensor 1000 h. In another alternative, the sensors 1000can be placed along the walls of the housing 410 near the upper edge ofthe contact member 430, as shown at 1000 i. When the force I causes thecontact member 430 to shift, the contact member 430 encounters thesensors 1000 i, thus triggering an alert.

FIG. 30 shows an apparatus 600′ that is substantially similar toembodiment 600, except as specifically noted and/or shown, or as wouldbe inherent. Sensors 1000 may be provided, for example, near where thecontact member 630 rests upon the glass 61, as shown at 1000 j, suchthat a force F2 received upon the glass 61 causes the contact member 630to shift away from the glass 61, triggering the sensors 1000 j.Alternately, the sensor may be located at the junction between thebiasing member 640 and the base member 610, as shown at 1000 k. When aforce is received upon the surface of the glass 61, the biasing member630 may be pushed away from the surface of the glass 61, thus engagingthe sensor 1000 k. In another alternative, a sensor 1000 may besupported behind the biasing member 640, as shown at 1000 m. Again, aforce F2 received upon the surface of the glass 61 causes the biasingmember to shift, thus triggering the sensor 1000 m.

It shall be understood that examples depicted in FIGS. 24-30 anddescribed herein are exemplary only, and that the sensor(s) 1000 may beplaced in any appropriate location such that movement of the biasingmember caused by an impact force would cause the sensor 1000 to triggeran alert. Further, multiple sensors 1000 may be incorporated in anembodiment, and filtering criteria may be used to determine when toactivate an alert. For example, an alert may be initiated only after twosensors 1000 detect movement. Additionally, the sensors 1000 may be ableto detect the amount of force exerted upon the surface of the glass 61(or other surface). For example, multiple sensors 1000 may be located atvarious points within or along the housing 110. The amount of forceexerted upon the contact surface may be determined by which sensor(s)1000 are activated by movement of the contact member 130. The amount offorce required to reach each sensor 1000 may be already known, such thatif the contact member 130 contacts a first sensor 1000 along the wallsof the housing 110 but not a second sensor located further from thecontact member 130, the amount of force will be generally known.Alternately, the sensor(s) 1000 may be able to measure the amount offorce exerted upon the contact surface and to report that information toa user.

FIG. 31 illustrates a system 2000 incorporating apparatus for dispersingimpact forces. The system 2000 may include an interface unit 2004 and asensor 1000′ in data communication over a network 2002. The interfaceunit 2004 may include a communication device 2006, a processor 2008, anoutput device 2014, and non-transitory computer memory 2010 havingprogramming 2012.

The output device 2014 may be any appropriate device, whether nowexisting or later developed, for presenting data from the processor2008. This may include, for example, one or more of: a printer, amonitor, a keyboard, a computer mouse, a touchpad, a speaker, a buzzer,a light, et cetera. The communication device 2006 may be any device,whether now known or later developed, that allows the system 2000 tocommunicate with the network 2002. For example, the communication device2006 may be a switch, wireless router, wired modem, et cetera. Thenetwork 2002 may be the World Wide Web, a private or local network, or acellular network, for example.

The interface unit 2004 may be, for example, a computer or smart phoneassociated with a monitoring system. Alternately, the interface unit2004 may be a home alarm that alerts the homeowner that a force has beenreceived upon a surface having an apparatus attached thereto.

The sensor 1000′, as described above regarding the sensors 1000, may belocated in or on various apparatus for dispersing impact forces. Thesensor 1000′ may include a transmitter 2018, a processor 2020, andnon-transitory memory 2022 having programming 2024. Optionally, theprocessor 2020, memory 2022, and programming 2024 may be separate fromthe sensor 1000′.

In use, a force is received upon an impact surface, causing a contactmember in an apparatus for dispersing impact forces (such as thosedescribed in embodiments 100′, 100″, 100′″, 300′, 400′, and 600′) toshift. The shift in the contact member to (or away from) the sensor1000′ may complete a circuit 3000 shown in FIG. 32, as generallydescribed above regarding sensing in FIGS. 24-30, and the transmitter2018 may send an alert. In another alternative (FIG. 33), the contactmember may be required to activate (e.g., shift away from) a firstsensor 1000 and also activate (e.g., contact) a second sensor 1000″before the transmitter 2018 emits an alert to the interface unit 2004.

Once an alert has been sent via the transmitter 2018, the processor 2008may then recognize the signal and cause the output device 2014 to alertthe user that the sensor 1000′ has been triggered.

Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as wellas components not shown, are possible without departing from the spiritand scope of the present invention. Embodiments of the present inventionhave been described with the intent to be illustrative rather thanrestrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art that do not depart from its scope. A skilled artisanmay develop alternative means of implementing the aforementionedimprovements without departing from the scope of the present invention.It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are ofutility and may be employed without reference to other features andsubcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims.Various steps in described methods may be undertaken simultaneously orin other orders than specifically provided.

I claim:
 1. An apparatus for dispersing impact forces, comprising: ahousing having a contact end with an aperture; a contact member locatedat least primarily inside the housing; a biasing member biasing thecontact member toward the housing aperture; a sensor; and means forsecuring the housing contact end to an impact receiving surface; whereinthe sensor initiates an alert when an impact force received on theimpact receiving surface causes the contact member to shift apredetermined distance from an initial position.
 2. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the sensor is disposed substantially adjacent thecontact member when the contact member is at the initial position. 3.The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the contact member is maintained inconstant contact with the sensor at the initial position, and whereinthe sensor initiates an alert when an impact force received on theimpact receiving surface causes the contact member to lose contact withthe sensor.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the contact member doesnot contact the sensor when at the initial position, and wherein thesensor initiates an alert when an impact force received on the impactreceiving surface causes the contact member to contact the sensor. 5.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sensor is disposed inside a cavitydefined by the housing, and wherein the sensor initiates the alert whenthe impact force received on the impact receiving surface causes thecontact member to shift from the initial position, the shifting of thecontact member from the initial position imparting a force on thebiasing member.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the sensorinitiates the alert when the shift of the contact member causes thebiasing member to come into contact with the sensor.
 7. The apparatus ofclaim 5, wherein the sensor initiates the alert when the shift of thecontact member causes the biasing member to lose contact with thesensor.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sensor is disposedalong a contact end, wherein the contact member sits atop the contactend and is in constant contact with the sensor, and wherein the sensorinitiates the alert when the impact force received upon the impactreceiving surface causes the contact member to lose contact with thesensor.
 9. An apparatus for dispersing impact forces, comprising: abase; a contact member for contacting an impact receiving surface; abiasing member disposed between the base and the contact member; and asensor; wherein the biasing member biases the contact member toward aninitial position at the impact receiving surface; and wherein the sensorinitiates an alert when an impact force received on the impact receivingsurface causes the contact member to shift from an initial position. 10.The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the sensor is disposed substantiallyadjacent the contact member when the contact member is at the initialposition.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the contact member ismaintained in constant contact with the sensor when at the initialposition, and wherein the sensor initiates an alert when an impact forcereceived on the impact receiving surface causes the contact member tolose contact with the sensor.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein thecontact member does not contact the sensor when at the initial position,and wherein the sensor initiates an alert when an impact force receivedon the impact receiving surface causes the contact member to contact thesensor.
 13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the sensor is disposedsubstantially adjacent the biasing member.
 14. The apparatus of claim13, wherein the sensor initiates the alert when the shift of the contactmember causes the biasing member to disturb the sensor.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 9, wherein the base is separable from the impactreceiving surface.
 16. A window product, comprising: a window pane; andan apparatus for dispersing impact forces, comprising: a base; a contactmember positioned to receive force from the window pane; a biasingmember disposed between the base and the contact member; and a sensor;wherein the biasing member biases the contact member toward an initialposition at the window pane; wherein an impact force received on thewindow pane causes the contact member and the biasing member to move;and wherein movement of at least one of the contact member and thebiasing member activates the sensor, causing the sensor to initiate analert.
 17. A monitoring system, comprising: an input device comprising:a housing having a contact end with an aperture; a contact memberlocated at least primarily inside the housing; a biasing member biasingthe contact member toward the housing aperture; at least one sensor; andmeans for securing the housing contact end to an impact receivingsurface; an alarm; a processor in data communication with the sensor;and electronic instructions that, when executed by the processor,performs steps for: (a) receiving at least one signal from the sensor;(b) analyzing the at least one signal to identify a triggering event;and (c) upon identifying a triggering event, actuating the alarm. 18.The system of claim 17, wherein an impact received upon the impactreceiving surface causes the sensor to initiate the at least one signal.19. The system of claim 17, wherein identifying the triggering eventcomprises determining whether the signal received from the sensorindicates a force received upon the impact receiving surface greaterthan a predetermined threshold.
 20. The system of claim 17, wherein theimpact receiving surface is a window.